Betta fish have always been a favorite among fishkeepers, both new and old. Their stunning colors and feisty ways make them not just entertaining, but a lovable pet as well.
Before you bring your new betta home, though, you have to make sure you get the best tank for it. Here is a list of seven of our favorites, as well as some advice on choosing the best one.
Table of Contents
Top 7 Fish Tanks For Betta
1. Aqueon 100527256 10 Gallon Aquarium
This first tank on the list is a personal favorite. The Aqueon 100527256 10 Gallon Aquarium has everything that a beginner fishkeeper could look for in a betta tank: a full hood (which is good, since bettas like to try to jump out of their tank!), a betta-friendly filter, built-in LED lighting, and a heater to keep the tank at the perfect tropical temperature for your Siamese fighting fish.
It also comes with a thermometer, net, water conditioner (check to make sure this is safe for bettas first), and even some fish food. The reason I love it so much, though, is that it is 10 gallons in size. This is the perfect size for bettas, who are often kept in tiny tanks when they actually need something much larger.
As if that weren’t enough, this tank also comes with in-depth directions for setting it up and getting it ready for your new (or old) fishy friend. At the time of this writing, the tank was also one of the most affordable ones out there in regards to everything you get with it.
The only possible drawbacks are that the lid can be a bit difficult to remove, and the filter can be a bit strong, but the latter can be resolved with a bit of adjusting and/or cleverness (see the advice section below).
- Large enough to give betta and possible tank mates plenty of swimming space
- Comes with tons of great accessories and add-ons at a reasonable price point
- Easy setup, attractive lighting, and a special feeding door for putting food inside
- Customizable in terms of decorations, whether you want to use the filter/heater or not, etc
- The cover isn’t hinged, so it can be difficult to get on and off
- The temperature on the heater can’t be changed
- The filter can be a bit loud and can be too strong if the setting is not correct
- Lights run a bit hot
2. MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium Kit with Rail Light
The next tank on our list is just as beautiful to look at as the betta itself. Unlike most fish tanks that are laid out horizontally, this particular MarineLand Contour Glass Aquarium tank is set up in “portrait mode.” Its vertical design makes it eye-catching, as well as easy to fit into a crowded office or bedroom space.
Our favorite thing about this 5-gallon tank is the lighting. It comes with a special “daylight/moonlight” setting, which consists of bright white LED lights that shine from the overhead rail light during the day, and pale blue LED lights that shine at night like the silvery moon.
Rounded corners also give this glass tank added class and sophistication, allowing it to be decorative as well as functional. My only complaint may be the size of the tank. At just 5 gallons, it just barely reaches the minimum recommended size for a betta fish tank. Although a quick internet search will bring up a whole slew of 1.5 – 3 gallon tanks for bettas, they really need more space.
The vertical layout of the tank also decreases the betta’s side-to-side swimming space, but if you have a betta that prefers to stay near the top or enjoys swimming up and down, it could still be a good fit. Make sure to choose the 5-gallon tank option if you buy online, though!
- Unique design and beautiful setup
- Customizable
- Lights can be run on a timer
- Decent price point
- Water pump and filter can be too strong for betta
- On the small side
- Some users have found that water collects as condensation on the top cover and that the tank is difficult to clean
- Lighting is pretty, but not conducive to growing live plants
3. GloFish Aquarium Kit Fish Tank (10-Gallon)
Despite the name, this 10-gallon GloFish Aquarium Fish Tank isn’t just for glow-in-the-dark fish. Bettas can also live quite happily in this spacious tank (which also comes in a 20-gallon size, if you REALLY want to give your betta room to roam).
In addition to its roominess, this tank is also a great choice because it comes with accessories like plants, LED lights, and other decorations. Just make sure that the plants aren’t sharp; otherwise, your betta could tear his fins!
This tank also comes with a thermometer, fish food, and a filter that is specially designed to be “whisper” quiet. The lights are energy efficient as well, and there is a top to the tank to keep the betta from leaping out if it gets in the mood to try its somersault technique.
One other cool thing about this tank is that, like all GloFish products, many of the included decorations are made to glow in the dark. You can add to this effect by purchasing more decorations from the brand to complete the look, which I found to be a really neat way to make your fish’s home not just utilitarian, but just plain awesome.
- Beautiful glow-in-the-dark decor options, making it fun to decorate and look at
- Lots of included extras, including a gentler filter than some similar tanks
- Two energy-efficient lighting options
- Spacious
- The filter can be too forceful for the fish
- Some customers complained of leaks after several months of use
- A bit on the expensive side
4. Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit, 5-Gallon
If you are looking for a slimmer, smaller fish tank that is still large enough to make your betta happy and comfortable, then the Fluval Spec V Aquarium Kit could be a great choice. It comes in two color options (black or white) and comes with some surprisingly bright lighting for its size and price range.
The lighting brings out the color of your betta, making him look even more beautiful as he swims around the tank. There is also a design feature that conceals the filter in the back, so that all you see when you look at the tank is your happy little betta buddy.
The reason this tank makes the list is that it is a lot more “natural” than other tanks. The overhead light that comes with the tank is actually capable of helping live plants to grow inside. The filtration system also includes a biological cleaning component, so it doesn’t just rely on mechanics to get the job done.
Unfortunately, one flaw in this kit is that it doesn’t come with a heater like the other kits on this list, so you would either have to buy one separately, or live in a climate that sees tropical indoor temperatures regularly.
- Compact and nice to look at, but still large enough to meet minimum size recommendations for bettas
- Lights are low-voltage so you save energy (and don’t have to worry about overheating)
- Advanced 3-stage filter system
- Has a lid to keep betta from jumping out
- The filter can be excessive for a betta
- The lights have to be moved to get into the tank, which can be inconvenient
- Some of the corners of the tank are blocked by metal strips, which can obstruct your view of the fish inside
- Condensation can collect on the lid
5. Koller Products Panaview 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit
Koller Products’ Panaview 5-Gallon Aquarium Kit is another tank that is on the lower end of the size requirements for a betta, which means it is easier to find a space for it in your home without sacrificing the health of the fish.
This tank is especially interesting because it comes with seven different options for lighting color, making it a terrific tank for children or teenagers to manage. The colors range from “daylight white” and other cool, blue-based colors to several different options on the red end of the color spectrum.
It also comes with a filter that helps to clear out not just dirt and grime, but heavy metals, gases, and foul smells.
One thing to note, though, is that unlike the other tanks on this list, this aquarium is made of plastic, not glass. On the one hand, this could be a drawback, because plastic isn’t usually the best material for animals to be surrounded by on a daily basis, thanks to its inherent chemical properties.
On the other hand, though, this plastic enables the tank to be made with one single piece. Glass tanks are usually composed of multiple pieces of glass glued together at the corners. But this tank is durable and doesn’t leak, because there are no weak corners or glue to get worn out over time.
- The plastic is so clear that it looks just like a glass tank
- Designed in such a way that leaks are practically impossible
- Delightful LED light color schemes to play around with
- Powerful, effective filter and easy-to-clean tank
- Made of plastic, not glass
- The heater must be bought separately
- Filter doesn’t last long (multiple customers reported that it stopped working after a few months)
- The filter may cause current too strong for betta fish, so it must be regulated
6. Aqueon Betta Falls Kit
I have to start by saying that the Aqueon Betta Falls Kit is one of the coolest betta tank setups I have ever seen. It consists of three separate tanks in which you can keep three different bettas, with a filter that ensures that clean water flows neatly between them all.
There is also a specially made panel between each of the three tanks that keep your bettas from seeing each other and embracing their Siamese fighting fish side.
Unfortunately, despite all this, I do have multiple issues with this tank. The first is that it is basically the size of one tank split into three sections. This means less space for each betta, which means they won’t be as healthy and happy as they could be.
Another issue is the filtering system. In the wild, bettas live in still waters, so every filter has the potential to irritate them… but this filter has the ability to actually wash one betta into the next betta’s tank!
The reason this tank is still on the list, though, is that, with a few alterations, it could be perfect for betta owners who are considering breeding their bettas. This requires a separate tank for each betta, as well as one for the fry that are produced, so it could be a nice temporary setup.
- So beautiful that it can function as a decorative fountain
- Quiet filter
- Good temporary setup for breeding
- A good way to keep multiple bettas at once without risk of them fighting
- Tiny
- Potentially dangerous for bettas without alterations
- Difficult to heat
- Hard to clean
7. Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit
I may have just saved the best tank for last. The Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit comes with a filter, a heater, beautiful, changeable LED lights, and even some decorative plants, water conditioner, and fish food.
But the reason I love this tank so much is that it is enormous. A betta will be very happy inside this spacious, 20-gallon tank. It is the perfect tank for fishkeepers who want to give their betta some tank mates to keep them company, while still giving everyone plenty of room to swim.
This is a good tank for beginner betta owners as well, because it comes with just about every accessory you could need for taking care of your fish. It also comes at an affordable price point… even if one or two veteran fishkeepers in the comments section claim that the decorations that come with it seem a bit “cheap.”
This is something you could easily remedy by buying your own plants if you prefer, and it is pretty much unanimously agreed that the tank itself is sturdy, reliable, and a good fit for bettas.
- Full-fledged kit: comes with everything you need to start out with your first fish
- Much larger than most other betta tanks on the market
- Comes with detailed setup instructions and support
- Fun color and decoration options
- Some parts have to be replaced frequently
- Some users found it difficult to put together (and subsequently broke things like the hood)
- The lid is not very sturdy, making it a bit expensive for the quality
- Condensation can collect on glass
Betta Tank Buying Advice
It is one thing to read recommendations of specific tanks, but it is quite another to know exactly what you are looking for when you are shopping for a new home for your betta. Here are some tips for finding the best aquarium.
Filters
If you read the list above, you already know that filters can be tricky. The first rule in fishkeeping is basically that you always need a filter to keep the water clean and healthy, especially if you are buying a big tank. Unfortunately, though, a lot of the filters you see on the market are too strong for bettas, and can suck them up into the mechanism!
My advice is that, if you have a smaller tank, a filter might not be necessary as long as you regularly clean the water (and clean it properly). If you have a bigger tank, though, you will definitely need a filter. In this case, try to find a gentle one. Or you can modify the one you get by wrapping a pre-filter sponge around the nozzle.
Size
When it comes to the size of your betta tank, don’t be fooled by all the results that come up when you Google it. They will lead you to believe that your betta can be happy in a 1.5-gallon tank or a little round bowl, but this could not be further from the truth.
Bettas need at least a 5-gallon tank, but would be happiest in something closer to 10 gallons.
Accessories
A lot of the tanks on this list come as a whole “kit,” which includes accessories like filters, plants, food, lights, etc. Something to keep in mind, though, is that you shouldn’t just pitch all of these things into your new tank. You first need to make sure they are compatible with your betta.
Plastic plants, for instance, are a no-go, because they are sharp and can catch the betta’s fins. Silk plants or live plants are better.
Same goes for the water conditioner. Is it safe for bettas? Be sure to check the bottle before adding it to your new tank.
Don’t immediately get drawn in by a kit that comes with all the works. In some cases, it might be smarter (and possibly more economical) to buy the tank and accessories separately. Do some thorough research first to find out.
Setup
I could go into a lot of detail about how to set up a betta tank that includes references to cycling the tank or choosing plants, but that would require a whole other article. For now, the one thing you need to keep in mind above all else is to clean the tank and all the accessories and parts before adding your betta!
Don’t use soap, just hot water, as the chemicals in soap can harm the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions about Betta Tanks
How Much Do Betta Tanks Cost?
The price of a betta tank can vary greatly from store to store and size to size. Other factors include whether it is plastic or glass, or whether it comes with a built-in filter or heater. Small tanks can start out around $20, with larger ones costing between $100 – $200 or more.
What Kind of Tank Decorations Do Betta Fish Like?
Bettas are relatively easy to please when it comes to decorations. They enjoy plants, gravel/rocks, and even little caves or castles they can explore and swim in and out of. Just make sure that nothing has sharp edges; otherwise, they will snag their fins! Silk or live plants are best, as are smooth gravel and rounded rocks.
Can a Tank Be Too Big for a Betta?
No, it is almost impossible for a tank to be too big for a betta. The more space they have, the happier they will be (just make sure they don’t have trouble swimming to the surface if it is really deep).
Do Betta Fish Need Light?
Not necessarily. Bettas do need a natural day/night cycle, but if the room they are in has windows or its own light that is visible to the betta during the day, they may not need one on the tank. If there is no ambient light available, then yes, they do need a light on their tank that stays on during the day and goes off at night to regulate their bodily processes.
Conclusion
While none of the betta tanks on this list are a bad choice, if I had to choose just one to recommend, I would pick either the Aqueon 100527256 10 Gallon Aquarium or the Tetra 20 Gallon Complete Aquarium Kit, depending on how much space you have available for a tank. Both give your betta lots of room, and both come with some really useful accessories to get you started.
